Moms of Previous Multiples

sjo_thetwins

Has anyone already had a set of twins? If so, did you give birth naturally? I'm quite curious about the birthing process (other than c-section) with twins or multiples. 

Also, tips/tricks/trades? I keep finding myself getting more and more scared of literally, everything. Caring for them both (changing, putting to sleep, rocking them, loving them), breastfeeding them both, giving birth to them both, what it will do to my body, etc. I tried so hard to get pregnant that I feel guilty sometimes for feeling that way, but I guess it's natural. All inputs are welcome! 

mtgreen21

It is very natural to feel that way. I had twins when I was 16. I ended up having a c-section because of severe complications during the pregnancy.  I was not able to breastfeed them because they were so tiny,but the lactation lady explained that it was possible to breastfeed both at the same time. Everything will come to you in time and it will be stressful while "learning" your babies but you will do great!

alygator11687

I don't have twins but you and your twins will be learning everything for the first time together.  Even if you don't feel like you're good enough, you will be perfect to them and all they need.  You're going to do a great job being their mom so try not to worry about these things

kmvisioli

Thanks for asking- following this and hoping for some good insights and tips! I am also feeling a little uncertain of what to expect and how to manage everything once mine arrive. I know we will figure it out in time, and we will need to humble ourselves to accept some help, but hearing from btdt moms is definitely encouraging.

mothernorth

I have not had twins, but I am a twin with a set of twin younger brothers. Both sets were a bit premature, but that is very common amongst multiples, and whether or not a c-section is required depends on the location of both babies when it is time for them to make their debut. She had to have a c-section with both sets of us due to our locations, but my aunt was able to have her twins vaginally. 
She has had two singletons and two sets of twins and she swears up and down caring for twins was way easier than caring for singletons because they(we) were able to soothe each other at bedtimes and naptimes, and entertain one another at playtime, etc. She did not breastfeed us, but she pumped with my brothers for as long as she was able. No matter what you're able to do, it will be perfect for your babies! One of my best friends who is a TINY little woman, I mean itty bitty, 5'1, 98lb little woman had twins as well (c-section, premature, hers was high risk but everything went great, babies are healthy and beautiful!) And although she got some pretty bad stretch marks, her skin and body recovered well, and so did my mother's. I know that is not the most important thing, but I also know it's a concern for every mother, singleton or multiples.
Obviously twins take double the work, double feeding, double diapers, double the love, but you will do great! It's no secret how happy and excited you are and all you need is that love and enthusiasm when they are finally in your arms and you and your SO will do amazing!
Congratulations again by the way, I always thought it would be so amazing to have twins! I love being a twin, I am so close to my sister, and so close to my twin brothers, it's such a special bond and I am elated for you and your babies! You'll do great and after you get into you routine and the motions of caring for them, it will be such a wonderful and comical adventure. Babies are so neat and such funny little things on their own, but putting two together definitely doubles that fun

sjo_thetwins

@AllyTheKid thank you so much for reply! It is great to hear other experiences whether they are yours or someone you know. One of the biggest things I am looking forward to is the bond they will (hopefully) share. No doubt I have read some horror stories too!

mothernorth

I just got off the phone with my friend, and she said as far as tips and tricks are concerned (and these are easier said than done but helpful when accomplished)
1. Have a routine. Same bed times, same nap times, same meal times, so on and so forth as close to the clock as you can manage so you'll still have time for yourself and partner and other things.
2. Have one-on-one time for each baby in the routine when possible (and that too will be a struggle)
3. She couldn't breast feed, but said when it comes to bottles and formula, she splurged on a Brezza and doesn't regret it because it helped have both of their bottles ready quickly on demand and was a god-send at night.
4. Have SOMETHING for yourself to help manage stress and remind you that you are a sane human being and it won't be this rough (newborn/infant/toddler stages) forever. She stressed this. 

As far as horror stories go, I'm not going to lie and say we didn't fight or anything. Because we did. A lot. And sometimes we had jealousy and resentment issues with each other, but ultimately, that bond always came out on top. ESPECIALLY in adulthood.
My friend said once her twins hit the toddler stage, they weren't so much bad to each other, but they would be bad and tear stuff up together, like they were conspiring to destroy haha so she had to start separating them at play time but, I think even siblings close in age do that too. My oldest brother is only 15mos older than us, and I have heard the stories of us all being called the 'terrible trio'. Either way, if my biological mother (and I use the word 'mother' loosely in her case) could manage us for the time we were in her custody, I have no doubt that you, and all the other twin mom's on this board will do great!

Now I have to convince her that I'm NOT having twins and was legitimately asking for somebody else haha

clb1984

I'm a twin too and very close to my twin sister, it was so nice always having someone around to play with and talk to growing up. We're very different people but we're always there for each other and still talk every day. Your babies will be so lucky to have each other! (Disclaimer- we did fight like cats and dogs too, but we also fought with my brother, so i don't think that's a twin thing)

 My mum is tiny, 5'2, and had us both vaginally with no problems. We were a month early which i think is pretty common in twins, my sister was around4.5lbs and i was just over5lbs 12 minutes later. She was able to breast feed us until around a year. I always wanted twins but I'm not going to lie, after the morning sickness I've had with one, and my mum saying it was much worse with2, I'm a little relieved not to! She was actually lighter leaving hospital after having us than she was getting pregnant from being so sick.

Good luck with your little ones! I love seeing all the old photos and videos of my sister and i as toddlers, always holding hands and running off together, definite partners in crime! Yes it's going to be hard at times, but you're going to have so much love and laughs in your life too:) 

kmtz89

I have a friend who is 37 weeks pregnant with twins right now! At 34 wks both babies were head down and about 6lbs each! Her plan is to attempt a vaginal delivery (she has a 16 month old already).


Further down the line (after she gives birth and gets into the swing of things) i might be able to pass on more info 

moquat

I haven't had twins but I am a twin with a little sister who is 14 months younger than us. I don't know if my mom had amnesia or what, but she looks back very fondly to the time that we were small. In her words, you're going to be crazy tired, but you're going to laugh a lot. We were 6 weeks early delivered by emergency c-section since my twin was crashing, so that was scary for my parents. She couldn't breastfeed us because we were in the hospital for a while. This was in the 80s with the NICU technology of the day, and we both are happy, healthy adults now. I love my twin so much. We are super different but really close. We still call each other wombmate.

SisterMaryNapalm

**dirty lurker**
I'm 35 weeks with twins so obviously my advice won't be as valuable as those who've had a bit of practice. 

My my doctor is allowing me to attempt a vaginal birth (no scheduled c-section). They decided at 34 weeks because Twin 1 (closest to the cervix) was head down. Before that, they were clear it was too risky to try a vaginal birth if T1 was breech (bum down) or transverse (lying across). They also want to put in an epidural because of the higher risks of emergency c-section and/or instrumental delivery. I've chosen to put the epidural cannula in but not take any pain meds through until I ask. 

In in terms of breastfeeding, every lactation consultant and nurse I've talked to says it's possible but being flexible is key. If I can EBF then I will but if I need to pump or supplement with formula then I will. There's a great FB group called "Breastfeeding Twins" which has been full of amazing ideas and support. 

If you can reach out to your local multiples parenting group then that's ideal too. Our one have coffee mornings for mums, education and publications on everything from sleep to parenting to keeping sane and even "beer and bubs" meetings for dads.